Video Postcards from North Korea: Morning on the Yanggak Bridge

Most of a foreign tourist's view of North Korea is from the window of a climate-controlled bus. Guides point to the passing monuments, but the keen eye can capture everyday moments on the street: women clearing nonexistent rubbish with homemade brooms, an impromptu bike repair session, or kids climbing trees. This video shows the frigid morning commutes on the Yanggak Bridge over the Taedong River in central Pyongyang on November 27th and 28th during the heart of the morning "rush hour". The vast majority of commuters are on foot or bicycle, despite the capital's wide boulevards. Other things to look for: the international hotel (right side of the screen), marching soldiers, and the city's new green and yellow taxi fleet. (Music from the June 9th Middle School band.)